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Whether visiting for the first time ever, or the first time in a while, this guide features new experiences each visitor will enjoy!
Arts, Museums & Galleries
By Compass Rose History Experiences
Nearly four decades before Sarasota became a county, a group of Scottish immigrants landed on our white, sandy shores pursuing the promise of life in a tropical oasis with modern amenities.
But what happens when you move thousands of miles from home, and there’s no home to move into?
By Compass Rose History Experiences
In 1899, Cornelius Van Santvoord (C.V.S.) Wilson, the owner of the Manatee County Advocate, decided to move to the small village of Sarasota to start the area’s first newspaper. The year prior, C.V.S., a widow, had remarried to the young Rose Phillips. 40 years her senior, C.V.S. had a successful career in the newspaper industry and was ready to take on a new challenge.
A long history of visual, performing, literary and, of course, circus arts has shaped a tiny fishing village into a cultural destination
Sarasota County is home to many sites with serious archeological significance
People have been coming to Florida for a long time. And we’re not just talking about all the tourists who have been traveling to the Sunshine State since the early 20th century, or even the Spanish who first came to Florida in the 1500s.
Learn how the Greatest Show on Earth helped shape a sleepy fishing village into a cultural destination on Florida's Gulf Coast®
Enjoying beauty and art requires brainpower and good food. Fortunately, Sarasota’s largest museums and attractions have got you covered.
From fancier dishes to casual to al fresco eats, you have plenty of choices. Here’s the scoop on restaurants available at several local museums and attractions.
Travis Ray of Dapper Bowtique and Asa Thomas of Art Ovation Hotel discuss their collaboration and what it means for the community
FantaSea Venice invites you to stroll among hand-painted mermaids and sea horses throughout downtown.
Looking for a selfie with a life-size mermaid? Then float on down to Venice.
Enjoy these relaxing locales—perfect to shut off and reset for a digital detox
More time spent outside equals more self-care, more quality conversations, more insightful thinking, more wildlife spotting, more quality hangs and laughs with loved ones—without distracting games or the urge to scroll on social media.
Whether flying solo, with your significant other or traveling with the whole family in tow, you may want to carve out precious time in the day to unplug, unwind and relax.